Mumbai Рthe dream city of millions and the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India enjoying the night on 26th November 2008 had no idea that its sheer joy is soon going to get converted into inconsolable grief, and the dreams of thousands are going to be turned into a tormenting nightmare. People (including many international tourists) having a great time in the Leopold Caf̩ had no idea that they were having the last drink of their life; the elites getting ready to rest in the lavish suites of the Taj and the Oberoi had no idea that their lives are going to change for permanent; and the passengers with smiling faces waiting for their train to arrive at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, had no idea that they gonna miss it, and how!
Today in 2021, 13 years post the barbaric attack on Mumbai, the nation stands firm all again against such cowardly attacks, but the horrors of 26/11 will never be eradicated from the memories of anyone, irrespective of whether they were directly or indirectly linked with the loss. Years will pass on, India will become so strong in the near future that the number of such attacks will gradually come down to nil; but the gruesome injuries which the nation suffered 13 years back, will unfortunately never heal completely in the next 13 years, or 30. As we look back today - reopen those formidable pages of the blood-stained book and take into cognizance the darkest days of India’s past all again, the cries and agony of hundreds of innocent souls still make our heart skip a beat in excruciating pain. Violating all the limits and crushing all the sentiments, ten terrorists of the LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) spared no one - a kid, or a girl, or a woman…alas, anguish!!!
Distinguished names like Sub-Inspector TukaramOmble, Mumbai ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad) Chief Hemant Karkare, Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte… and many more ‘men in uniform’ were the real-life heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep Mumbai aloof from the life-threatening peril. Their stories of bravery will always make us shower immense pride on them, but will make our eyes wet at the same time. The nation will never forget their extreme valor and unconditional devotion towards duty. India will forever be indebted to these valiant souls for their huge contribution in safeguarding the lives of citizens and upholding the integrity and security of the country. The dent which ‘2008 Mumbai Attacks’ had given to 1.2 billion hearts won’t be repaired ever, no matter how suave mechanics in the form of politicians come; but at least we can hope that these politicians will make sure that we don’t face more such frightful dents in the future. The lives of innocents can’t be brought again, but prayers can always be done for their souls to rest in peace.
Extremism and terror do nothing, but weaken the
foundation of a nation and bring a lonely, pale void into the vivid lives of
people. We, as the responsible citizens of India, let us pledge together to
staunchly oppose all kinds of extremism, and at least give our minimum
contribution in maintaining the harmony and peace of the nation.
Jai Hind!